What did I do wrong? I wonder, staring out the small window in my room. The night is cool and peaceful. The cherry blossom trees are in bloom as well. They remind me of a girl I once knew; her name was Sakura. She spends all of her time now with Naruto, kissing his face where she used to punch him. I wince, an unexpected pain in my heart. It feels like a needle is slowly being pulled through it. Naruto was always by my side to encourage me. He's the reason I'm still training in Genjutsu and Taijutsu, and, in fact...

I was absolutely infatuated with him.

While I'm trying my best, that's something that's difficult to erase.

With all of my anxiety from the banquet and past memories that won't fade away, I find it difficult to breathe. I glance at the sliding door that is the only barrier between me and the outside world. Getting a breath of fresh air can't hurt...I get off of my bed, stumbling in the near-darkness towards the door. I pull it open as quietly as I can. Walking outside, cool air envelops me, and I shiver. Shutting the door behind me, I wish that I was wearing something a little more practical than a white yukata.

But it's too late to go back inside now.

All of the noise would alert my father. I tense at the idea. Letting out a sigh, I attempt to calm my nerves. I begin to walk to the forest, the only place I truly feel at home. That place is founded on good memories and teamwork. A small smile pulls at my lips.

Before I know it, I'm running, despite the fact that my yukata might tear or get dirty. My raven colored hair cascades behind me. My heart is thumping with energy, not anxiety. My worries are all but forgotten.

Times like these are when I feel free.


I collapse in the forest, my breathing short and labored. I've run so far...I glance back nervously. Have I gotten lost? I stand back up on shaky legs and take a deep breath. I take a look at my surroundings, confirming my fears.

I am completely and utterly lost.

The peace and freedom I felt is now gone, replaced with dread. If my father saw me now...I swallow nervously. I try to calm down so I can focus. I'm not sure if activating my Byakugan would be a good idea, as my expended chakra might alert others of my presence.

As I walk, I see something out of the corner of my eye. A person, it looks like. I turn towards them. They stiffen, looking as though they're about to leave.

"W-Wait," I stammer, hoping that they aren't an enemy. I feel so stupid for calling out to them in the first place. The person rocks back and forth and their heels, not sure whether or not to stay on the branch. "I-I think I might be l-lost."

"What do you expect me to do about that?" His voice is deep and cold, like a river that swallows up the lives of those foolish enough to venture near the edge. A mask covers his face. However, even in the dark, I can see his crimson eyes. I shiver involuntarily.

"D-Do you know the way b-back to Konoha?" I ask, resisting the urge to press my hands together. I can't look nervous in front of a stranger. He pauses before responding.

"Yes," He moves from the branch, landing on the ground gracefully and silently. His movements are those of an expert killer. I instinctively step back, now wary of his actions. I'll fight him if need be. "I'm not going to hurt you," My eyes widen. How did he know I was worried about that? "You show your emotions so plainly on your face, it's amusing," His voice is completely monotone, and it bothers me.

My muscles tense, as if I'm ready to run.

"W-Well..." I stammer. "J-Just show me the way b-back. P-Please." The sooner I get home, the sooner I get away from this mysterious person. The atmosphere he carries around him is almost suffocating.

He begins to lead me through the forest, without saying another word.

"W-Why were you out here? A-All alone?" I ask, trying to make conversation. He doesn't look back at me when he responds.

"I could ask you the same question,"

"I-I'm here...Because..." I hesitate before answering completely. "I'm b-being forced into a marriage...a-and..." I trail off, not sure how to explain myself. I don't know if he'll understand my anxiety. "I-It's unavoidable,"

"Hn," he grunts. I almost sigh in frustration at his response, if it can even be classified as one. But then, he turns to me, his crimson eyes searching mine. "Do you wish to leave them?" His question surprises me.

"I-I don't exactly have a c-choice..." I smile sadly. "A-And I can't exactly escape for such a-a silly reason. A-Arranged marriages aren't u-uncommon."

"So you're accepting your fate?" He asks. He stops completely, and I stumble a bit, trying not to bump into him. "Obedience or freedom; you must choose one or the other. You cannot be upset about something that you are not willing to change." There's a hint of irritation in his voice, and I flinch. I know he's right.

I'm a coward, because I cannot change anything.

"I-I know..." I trail off, biting my lip. "I-I'm too afraid of my father to do a-anything." He holds me back at every opportunity, and doesn't even hide the fact that he despises me. I know he prefers Hanabi over me. That's what scares me. As I hold no value in his heart, I can easily be disposed of.

Of course, I don't tell the stranger this.

"Get rid of your fear, then," he replies, as if it should be obvious to me. I can't help the frown that pulls at my lips.

"I-I've been trying to get rid of i-it for the past eighteen y-years," I sigh. He doesn't seem to understand me, giving me advice on a subject he doesn't seem to know much about. I involuntarily clench my fists.

"Getting angry at me won't do you any good," he says, a bit of amusement in his voice. However, it quickly turns emotionless again. "I'll help you get rid of it, if it's that important to you."

"R-Really?" I ask, hope filling my heart.

"Meet me here tomorrow at noon," he nods. I give him a warm smile, genuine happiness in my heart.

"T-Thank you so much!" I exclaim, foolishly trusting a stranger.

But when you're desperate for change, you'll do anything.


A/N: Here's chapter 2! Please tell me what you think so far, and don't forget to follow if you're interested in the next chapter (I can be a spastic updater Cx)

Anyways, thanks for reading! :)